Baypark set for Jetsprints

One day out from the V8 Jetsprints and event director Pip Minnell is “absolutely rapped” with the build-up to the event.

Ms Minnell told the Bay of Plenty Times today, a day out from the event, the track was looking ”fantastic”.

“The drivers are loving the track. It is a lot bigger than last year so it will be a faster track. There will be the same thrills and spills but it won’t be as technical so their feedback is we won’t get boats coming out as much for technical reasons but the guys will be able to put the foot on the throttle a little bit more.

“There will be plenty of thrills and spills and high octane action for the spectators.”

Gates open to the public at 12pm on Saturday and Sunday with racing to get underway at 3pm daily. If spectators buy their tickets online at eventfinder.co.nz tonight by 12pm they will save $10 per ticket.

Ticket sales have doubled compared to the same time at last year’s event.

Organisers of the motorsport event took a chance on Tauranga last year when they converted ASB Baypark stadium into a network of water-filled channels, blowing the minds of 15,000 visitors and they are doing it again this year.

This time it’s round two of the PSP New Zealand Jetsprint Championship Series with the added bonus of the ENZED International Stadium Jetsprints Cup on Sunday.

The sports field has been carved up, soil has been taken away to create hair-raising twisty water channels necessary for the high octane sport. Organisers have indicated the track has changed this year, making it wider and faster.

As many as 60 teams will compete in three classes over Auckland Anniversary weekend, reaching speeds of more than 125km/h and an impressive 0-100km/h in 1.8 seconds.

On Sunday, guests from Australia, United States and Canada will battle against New Zealand teams for the inaugural ENZED Stadium Jetsprints Cup.

The family atmosphere is helped with a family fun zone playground, water slide and balloons away from the racing. The pits will be open (for a limited session) for spectators to come and meet the teams and see the boats up close.